LoveToKnow Cats:Custom Litter Box Problems

You are absolutely right to get him to the vet as quickly as possible. Male cats have a tendency to form urine crystals. This can block the passage of urine and basically your cat gets plugged up and can't use the litter box.

Cats will often "act out" when this happens to try to get your attention and let you know they are in distress. The cat may begin to urinate, when he can, outside of the litter box. He may yowl loudly as though in pain. You may also notice that he tries to go more often.

This can be a fatal condition if left untreated, so it is vital to get your cat to the vet as quickly as possible. If this is what is going on, he will likely have to remain on a special cat food for the remainder of his life to prevent the reformation of these crystals.

Another thing that might be going on is a bladder or kidney infection or kidney stones. Although still serious and something that needs to be treated, these are actually less urgent conditions in most cases than the crystals.

The vet will probably treat him with a catheter. If it is caught quickly enough, he may not need surgery. He may follow up with a round of antibiotics (depending upon the diagnosis) and a special food prescription.

The vet will probably want to take some blood as well, just to be on the safe side. He or she will likely run basic panels on things such as kidney function and red cell count. This can rule out cancer and organ failure. - posted by:LoriSoard

You don't mention whether or not your cat is neutered. If not, then this may be causing the majority of issues. However, I'm going to assume that he is neutered and focus on some other issues that might be going on with your cat.

Since he only recently began these behaviors, my concern would be that he has an underlying health problem. If he is feeling poorly, it could make him cranky.

The litter box issues make me concerned that he may have something going on with urine crystals or a bladder infection or kidney stone. Anytime a cat changes its behavior in this way, it is important to first rule out potential health problems before looking at the behavior itself.

I really think your best bet is going to be to take him to the vet and have these things ruled out, some of which can be fatal if left untreated. The vet will likely want a urine sample and a blood test, which will give him some basic information that will help him make a good guess whether or not this is health related.

Whether the issues are health related or not, you must thoroughly clean all areas where he has urinated with a good enzymatic cleaner to remove the smell. This will help prevent him from returning to that spot to urinate.

If his health checks out okay, then you have a behavior problem on your hands. I would keep him isolated from the other cat when you are not there to supervise as he might harm her. Then, I would firmly tell him no when he begins any of the aggressive behaviors. You may need to get a small spray bottle with water in it and spritz him.

Here is the important part... Most cats respond best to positive reinforcement. So, if you tell him no and he settles down, be sure to praise him lavishly for listening. Or, if you catch him playing nicely with the other cat, praise him for that as well.

Hopefully this will help clear up the issues you are having and you can get your sweet cat back again. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

You are right. It is likely the stress of a new home and not being certain of routines. Also, he will return to the same spot, because he can smell where he defecated there in the past.

My advice would be to first clean the area with a good enzymatic cleaner. The new owners can purchase this at any pet supply store. Some professional carpet cleaners also offer a service where they will remove all traces of pet stains and smells. You may want to offer to have the carpet cleaned for them to take care of this problem. It may ease your conscience a bit too and show them that you are concerned that the cat has done this.

Next, I would isolate him in the room where they plan to keep his litter box. They should make sure it is the same type of litter box and litter the you used with him. They can go in and pet him, etc., but he should stay in that room for a minimum of one week. This will retrain him on where his litter box is located and limit his roaming the house and defecating wherever he feels the urge.

After a week or two, he will likely be fine. That extra time will also allow him to get used to his new family and surroundings.

It is also smart to limit his roaming in a new home as he does adjust to the new surroundings and the sights and smells of a new home.

If he continues to show this behavior after they've tried these things, or he develops other symptoms, I would recommend that they take him to the vet. When a cat changes his litter habits, it can indicate a health problem too.

However, since he has moved recently, my suspicion is that his litter box problems are caused by stress. - posted by:LoriSoard

I'm sorry you've had these troubles with Moe. It sounds like he is a very sweet and loving cat, so I'm going to offer some suggestions that might help you solve this one issue you have with him.

First, you mentioned that you clean his box once a week. I would switch to changing his litter every three days and scooping at least once a day. Some cats are extremely persnickety about the cleanness of their litter. You may also want to try different types of litter and boxes (covered or uncovered, for example). When changing litter types, you should start with 75 percent of old litter to 25 percent of new litter. Then, a few days later, go 50 percent to 50 percent and so on until you are at 100 percent of the new litter.

Anything that he has urinated on should be gotten rid of or cleaned completely with a good enzyme cleaner. This will remove the smell and hopefully prevent him from returning to that location.

Finally, I would go ahead and isolate him in the room where his litter box is located for a minimum of one week, but preferably two. This will reacquaint him with where his box is located and keep him from other parts of the house, essentially forcing him to use the box. Two weeks will let him get in the habit.

After that, I would let him roam when you are at home and put him back in confinement when you are away. You can then try letting him roam and see what happens, but he may be a cat that you always have to contain when you are not at home.

If all else fails and you do not feel you can care for him, search for no kill shelters in your area. PetSmart sometimes works with these shelters, if you have one near you. At least you would be assured that they would try their best to find him a home.

Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

You have done the right thing in buying them each a litter box. Some kittens seem to just "get" it quicker than others. I also suspect the same thing you do that Sid is refusing because Woody is using Sid's box.

I would try several things. First, isolate Sid to the laundry room. If he is locked in there, Woody won't be able to go in and use that box. This will keep the box clean for Sid.

Make sure you keep the box as clean as possible. You may even have to scoop several times a day. I would isolate him for a minimum of one week, but probably more like two weeks.

Also, really observe Sid during this time. Is he struggling to climb into a box that may be too deep for his small body? Does he not like a covered box or maybe he wants a covered box.

While he is in the laundry room, thoroughly clean any spots he has soiled with an enzymatic cleaner, so he does not return there.

Also, if he is not yet neutered, try to do so immediately so that he doesn't start spraying as he matures. He is about the right age to be fixed.

I think these ideas will solve the problem for you. Good luck! - posted by:LoriSoard

No, she should not be meowing loudly while trying to defecate. It is possible that she has an obstruction of some sort, which may or may not be related to the surgery. I would go ahead and take her back to the vet as soon as possible and have this checked out.

Whenever a cat isn't able to use the litter box, or seems to be in pain, I always err on the side of caution and take them in.

Please check back and let us know if she's okay. - posted by:LoriSoard

If she still has not defecated, this sounds like a dangerous situation for your cat. I would probably try to get a second opinion. Your cat may need surgery to unblock her colon.

It is good that she is keeping food down. However, gas alone wouldn't keep her that swollen. Was the antibiotic for an infection? That may help a little with the swelling.

If she were my cat, I would probably go ahead and seek a second opinion on whether or not she needs surgery to remove the blockage. Please check back and let us know if she's okay and how the vet decides to proceed. - posted by:LoriSoard